Javonte Williams calls Broncos split ‘mutual’ ahead of return to Denver

Former Broncos running back Javonte Williams spoke about his split with Denver in the offseason, while his former teammates talked about how they're ready to face off against him

BY TRENT FINNEGAN

Oct 23, 2025, 10:58 AM

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Watch: Sean Payton spoke at Broncos training camp in a surprisingly good mood — compares Bo to Drew Brees | 8 mins

Javonte Williams and the Denver Broncos seemed like a match made in heaven when he was first drafted by the Broncos back in 2021. He burst onto the scene as a rookie, as his ability to break tackles instantly jumped out as a skill that most other players in the NFL didn’t have.

However, a catastrophic knee injury early in the 2022 season put his career in jeopardy, and when he returned to action for the orange and blue in 2023, it was clear that he didn’t have the same juice as he did before the injury. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in his final two seasons with the Broncos after averaging 4.4 his rookie year. Sean Payton had him as part of a committee alongside Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, and he could never get it going again

In the spring, he wound up signing a one-year, $3 million contract with the Cowboys. It was clear that the Cowboys wanted him in their building more than the Broncos did, something that he spoke about on Wednesday.

“It was kind of mutual. [The Broncos] wanted to go a different route. I felt like the Cowboys wanted me, so that’s where I wanted to be,” he said after Cowboys practice.

Javonte Williams on his departure from the Denver Broncos:
"It was kind of mutual. They wanted to go a different route. I felt like the Cowboys wanted me, so that's where I wanted to be" pic.twitter.com/98tQOYSHAh

— Romi Bean (@Romi_Bean) October 22, 2025

The split between these two parties has had some weird moments, highlighted by Williams seemingly taking a shot at Denver’s culture back in training camp, saying that the Cowboys building is much more “team friendly.” It’s clear that feelings are great between the two sides nowadays.

Williams was also asked if he has a chip on his shoulder from how his time with the Broncos ended. He kept his answer simple ahead of Sunday’s clash between Denver and Dallas.

“I’m just going to go out there and play my game.”

BRONCOS ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO FACING JAVONTE WILLIAMS

Multiple people within the Broncos organization were asked about going head-to-head against their former back after practice on Wednesday. Payton was the first.

“Listen, he’s a terrific, terrific guy, terrific player and proud of him. He’s a great teammate. He’s certainly right at the top of the league in a lot of numbers,” he said.

Pat Surtain II is going to be on the field with his former teammate, and will be doing everything he can to slow him down. Williams currently has 592 yards on the ground (second-most in NFL) and six touchdowns (tied for third-most in the league), two signs that his knee is feeling healthy and he just needed a change of scenery to get his mojo back.

“It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be exciting. I’m happy for him. Obviously it’s looking like he’s back to form, so it’s going to be a great matchup. I’m looking forward to that battle,” Surtain said.

Wide receiver Courtland Sutton shared the huddle with Williams for three and a half seasons in Denver. He had nothing but good things to say about his former teammate.

“It’s really inspiring. I enjoy watching all the guys I share the locker room with, go out and have success on their respective teams. And Javonte is one of those guys that I’m really happy for him. They’re allowing him to show his talents the best that he possibly can. And it’s cool to see him be back in that space of where he was his rookie year, and where he where he was coming out of college, and then being able to go and just fully let his wings fly,” Sutton said.

One thing is clear — Williams’ former teammates love him as a person and a teammate, and seem to be happy for him. At the same time, these guys are all competitors, and seem to be excited to go out and battle against each other on Sunday. Denver’s defense has been dominant so far, and Williams has been dominant so far. Those two facts won’t be able to coexist on Sunday, and it will be a great battle to watch and see how comes out on top.

“It’s one of those things that if you know him, and you know the dedication, work ethic that he has, and the love he has for this game, you understand why he’s second in the league in rushing,” Sutton said.